I've always been a beach-vacation-type of girl. My ideal vacation is Florida. Or the Bahamas. Or, since it's closer to London, now Greece.
Winter just isn't my jam. The first snowfall is exciting {mainly because I always hope for a snow day ;)}. I love, lo.v.e, LOVE the holidays in the winter: Christmas + New Years. BUT it all boils down to the fact that I hate, h.a.t.e, HATE being cold {mainly because I never know what to wear and still be fashionable ;)}.
However...!
Chamonix, France, really changed my perspective about snow-filled vacations with its gentle-giant mountains, fun winter activities, cozy fireplaces, peaceful village shopping, and fresh air {not to mention that crisp water!}. I was expecting the town to be all about skiing, and as a non-skier, I was very much surprised by how many activities I could have done. So many in fact, we didn't have time to even do everything!
From cable car rides to the highest viewing deck in Europe {12,600 feet!}; to lunches with the most spectacular views; to fireside dinners with authentic French + Swiss cuisine, like fondue and raclette; to snowshoeing + dog sledding {sadly, I didn't get to this!}; to shopping in the center of town that is fit for Santa's elves; to lazy + relaxing afternoons at the spa; and to simply taking in the breathtaking views, there is so.much.to.do.
Winter just isn't my jam. The first snowfall is exciting {mainly because I always hope for a snow day ;)}. I love, lo.v.e, LOVE the holidays in the winter: Christmas + New Years. BUT it all boils down to the fact that I hate, h.a.t.e, HATE being cold {mainly because I never know what to wear and still be fashionable ;)}.
However...!
Chamonix, France, really changed my perspective about snow-filled vacations with its gentle-giant mountains, fun winter activities, cozy fireplaces, peaceful village shopping, and fresh air {not to mention that crisp water!}. I was expecting the town to be all about skiing, and as a non-skier, I was very much surprised by how many activities I could have done. So many in fact, we didn't have time to even do everything!
From cable car rides to the highest viewing deck in Europe {12,600 feet!}; to lunches with the most spectacular views; to fireside dinners with authentic French + Swiss cuisine, like fondue and raclette; to snowshoeing + dog sledding {sadly, I didn't get to this!}; to shopping in the center of town that is fit for Santa's elves; to lazy + relaxing afternoons at the spa; and to simply taking in the breathtaking views, there is so.much.to.do.
Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
The cable car took us up about 12,600+ feet to a viewing deck where we could see the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, including the infamous Mont Blanc, Europe's tallest mountain. While the views were spectacular, I would be lying if I didn't admit that it was also terrifying + nauseating. What's even more horrifying, is we learned this was the same cable car that stalled and was stuck overnight last September {eek!}. Luckily, we survived with some amazing photos below!
Those skiers, if you look closely, be cray. They are skiing down from the cable car drop-off spot with harnesses {YIKES!}!
The viewing deck.
Lit-er-all-y on the same level as the clouds!
By far one of my fave pics from the weekend!
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Les Vieilles Luges for lunch!
Soooo, funny story, this lunch place is probably best suited for skiers. However, we took our chances and walked up a snowy + icy trail, located behind a ski run. Despite falling multiple times and despite seriously questioning if we were actually going to make it, I'm so happy we did. The views. The food. The vibe. Ah-may-zing and totally worth it {after almost dying on the way up + down!}.
The ski run we had to cut across before hiking up to the restaurant.
Annnnddd while everyone skied down from the restaurant, we hiked back down with Uggs + Sperries on {haha}! But we made it and it was well worth the trip :).
French + Swiss cuisine
The best part about La Caleche is that they managed to preserve Christmas in its decor + warm atmosphere. The intimate mood was brought out by its comfort food: cheesy + sharp fondue, melty raclette, juicy meats, and delicious dipping breads.
The bubbly raclette, melted + scooped over potatoes and meats!
Shopping
Boasting many ski shops + patisseries {aka bakeries where I had the most divine almond-chocolate croissant and gooey macaroons in my entire life}, the shopping in Chamonix looked like it was out of a storybook.
Scenic walks + taking in the chalet views
And if you're not into skiing, risking your life on the cable car, shopping, or eating {I'm not quite sure what you like to do, then ;)!}, you can simply admire the views from anywhere + everywhere.
Our cute Airbnb for the weekend!
Chamonix was the perfect big-city escape and the perfect getaway to serve as a reminder of Mother Nature's beauty and the joy of slowing down with good friends.
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